Summer Escape with the Tycoon

“We’ll stay close to shore. I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

“Probably not. But...it is what it is.” She smiled weakly. “Please don’t use that against me.”

“I won’t.” He studied her with a somber expression. “I don’t believe in using people’s fears against them.”

She thought about that for a moment. “Really? Because I’d think that might be a strategy for someone in acquisitions. A negotiating tactic.”

He tilted his head as he thought for a minute. “No,” he answered. “I might exploit a weakness, but not a fear. And, yes, there’s a difference.”

He removed one arm from the edge of the hot tub and turned to face her, only inches away. Her pulse hammered at her throat as his gaze captured hers. “What you just said? That’s a fear.” He moved an inch closer. “But the way I’m feeling right now, this close to you? That’s a weakness.”

Her breath caught. “Are you asking me to exploit it?”

His gaze dropped to her lips, then back up to her eyes. “Oh, it’s tempting. Very tempting. But, no, not tonight.”

She was surprised at the disappointment she felt at his words. His dark eyes held her captive for a long moment, while she pondered the wisdom of taking the single step forward. That was all it would take, really. One step and her lips could be on his. Her body brushing his, coming alive.

And then what? Up until this moment they hadn’t even liked each other! And there was still the majority of the trip to get through, and if they kissed now and regretted it tomorrow, it would be awkward as hell. Because he would surely regret it, wouldn’t he?

She swallowed. And he leaned back and said, “Good night, Molly.”

Water splashed as he skirted around her and stepped out of the tub, steam rising off his lean body as he hit the cool outer air. Wordlessly, he grabbed his towel and briskly rubbed off most of the water before putting on his T-shirt and looping the towel around his neck.

“Good night,” he repeated quietly and padded away.

Once he was gone she let out the breath she’d been holding and got out of the tub. Hot water slid off her suit and down her legs as she rushed to get her towel and robe.

He’d almost kissed her.

But at least he hadn’t seen her in her bathing suit.

* * *

The woman had curves. Delicious ones that he had only glimpsed that day in the hotel room and last night in the hot tub. As Eric watched Molly pick her way across the gravelly shore toward inflatable boats, he realized that the last few days she’d worn clothing that did little to accentuate the dip of her waist and curve of her hips. The wet suit she was wearing, though—little was left to his imagination, and what was left was incredibly tempting.

He was attracted to her. He had come close to kissing her last night, which would have been a massive mistake. It was the spider, he realized. And the confession she’d made to him about being afraid. It had made him forget that he didn’t like divorce lawyers and, right now, women in general.

Though that was hardly fair. Sure, he was sour about the divorce, but if he were honest with himself, it wasn’t all about the money. Not at all. He’d loved Murielle. Maybe not in the great love-of-a-lifetime way from the books and movies, but he had loved her and tried to show her in his way. It hadn’t been enough.

She’d also made him pay, and she’d had a Molly on her side. He hadn’t.

The tour guide, Shawn, nudged him. “You ready, Eric? Everyone’s getting in the boats now. We’ll head downriver a bit to the first pool and then get you in the water.”

He climbed into one of the two boats—not the one Molly was in. He was looking forward to the trip, and the fresh air and the group’s excitement scattered his heavy thoughts. Snorkeling was fun and today they’d be snorkeling with salmon. According to the tour information, tens of thousands of pink salmon returned to this river every year to spawn. They might even see some of the much larger but rarer Chinook salmon.

The ride in the boat was fun all on its own. The current of the river was fast, and they bounced along the waves while the summer sun beat down on Eric’s head. They passed a pair of fly fishermen, who each lifted a hand in greeting, and went under a bridge that soared high above the river. It didn’t take long and they slowed and put in to shore, where they would get in the water, put on their snorkel gear and be able to see what was happening beneath the surface.

“If anyone isn’t up for snorkeling, they’re welcome to stay in the boat and continue downriver with us,” Shawn said, while the other guides helped sort out gear and gave instructions.

Eric looked over at Molly. For a moment she looked tempted, but then she reached for a mask and snorkel and slipped them over her head, a set to her jaw that was becoming familiar.

“Just a reminder to pair up as you go,” Shawn called out. “The current will carry you downriver—you won’t have to do much of anything. And the water’s not overly deep. Relax and enjoy the view.”

Eric made his way over to where she stood, alone on the bank. Once more the couples and groups were together and she was on the outside. “Need a buddy for the buddy system?”

She looked up at him and sighed. “Do you suppose we should just resign ourselves to the fact that we’re going to be paired up because we’re the odd ones out?”

He shrugged. “I can think of worse things. You’re not so bad. For a divorce lawyer.” In fact, he kept forgetting about that little tidbit more than he cared to admit.